In Computing, What is ‘Shadowing’?

For manufacturers wishing to provide a speed boost to boot up sequences in their PCs, Shadowing is a technique whereby Random Access Memory (RAM) is used instead of Read Only Memory (ROM), which is around 3 times slower than volatile memory.

Inside your computer, the code that is used to control hardware peripherals like the keyboard, mouse etc is usually stored in the specially designed BIOS ROM chip. In order to shorten the time computers take to turn on, manufacturers of laptops and PCs configure their machines to copy the BIOS code into the RAM when it boots up. This process is called shadowing.

Lifetime Warranty

All OFFTEK memory is backed by our full lifetime warranty. We obsess over our products so you do not have to. Our team constantly strive to ensure that all our memory is of the highest quality but should you ever have any issues with your purchase you have the peace of mind that you can return your product for a replacement if the need arises.

Top Brands

We have close relationships with all of the top tier RAM memory manufacturers which enables us to provide a constant supply of the highest quality products. This in effect means compatible, reliable RAM and most importantly great prices, all backed by a limited lifetime warranty. If you require a specific brand of memory then please do not hesitate to contact one of our sales team.

Guaranteed Compatibility

Over the years we have taken immense care in creating one of the most in depth memory configurators. We do this to ensure that when you purchase a memory upgrade from OFFTEK you are confident that the upgrade is 100% compatible with your system.
Should you have any questions prior to ordering your upgrade we have technicians on hand via live chat, email or phone who will be able to answer any queries you may have.

We take the time to look into each machine to ensure that we offer all sizes and speeds that the machine is able to take not just the latest specification that has been released. We believe that offering all options for machines provides a 100% guarantee that the memory with function with your original memory module efficiently.

Should I have 2 x 8 Gigabyte Sticks of Computer Memory or 1 x 16 Gigabytes?

Whilst two 8 Gigabyte sticks of RAM will technically provide the same memory capacity as one 16 Gigabyte stick, the are ramifications involved with choosing one or the other.

Choosing 2 x 8 GigabytesBy choosing to install two sticks of 8 Gb RAM, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve gone for the cheap option that will provide an inferior performance. This isn’t the case, as you’ll more than likely experience smoother and faster CPU performance due to the fact that it can access the entire 16 Gigabytes easily. This is because it has double the amount of access points by virtue of being spread across two RAM slots, meaning your CPU has unfettered access to all the available memory.

Choosing 1 x 16 GigabytesIf you opt for the 1 x 16 Gigabyte route, it means that you can upgrade in the future without having to discard any RAM, as you’ll have a free memory slot (if you have 2 of course). However, laptops and desktop PCs will usually run better when its RAM is spread across two slots, as it effectively doubles the amount of channels available waiting to receive and transmit data. A good analogy would be to compare trying to push a shopping trolley full of data through a small door, rather than one that’s twice as wide. It’s just more difficult and this will result in your one 16 Gigabyte RAM performing far below the level you’re expecting.

So, if this sounds like you and you’re upgrading more than one aspect of your computer, we would recommend putting that extra RAM money towards a Solid State Drive (SSD), which will allow your CPU, your existing memory and in turn, every application and process on your computer to work faster.

SSD drives use flash memory rather than the spinning magnetic disks a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) uses. Not only can stored data be accessed faster by your CPU, but an SSD will use less power and is much less prone to malfunctioning due to being moved or warm temperatures.

Engineered LimitsAs something of a side note, if you want to protect yourself in the future against insufficient RAM, then you should avoid purchasing one of the growing number of laptops and desktops on the market that only have RAM slot, which forever limits that computer to one channel memory performance. As we mentioned earlier, a two channel setup will always work more smoothly and be more flexible in terms of future upgrades.

If you are looking to place a quantity order or are buying on behalf of the public or private sector then please contact one of our designated account managers who will be able to deal with your requirements in more detail.

Unsure on your current memory specification or looking to purchase in quantity?

For any queries you may have please contact one of our experienced Memory Specialists via one of the following methods and they will ensure that any issue is resolved immediately and effectively.

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Why buy from offtek

Matched Ram upgrades for your specific model

Offtek provides matched upgrades for new and legacy machines. Every one of our RAM modules are tested to ensure that not only are they compatible with the machine but also that they perform in a wide range of different environmental conditions. This allows us to back our modules with a limited lifetime warranty.

Established in 1996, OFFTEK is trusted by many of the UK's best known household names as their number ONE source for ram upgrades.

Misson critical or movie night we have your upgrade sorted

Our team is made up of memory specialists with an average of 9 years experience in the RAM industry. We offer upgrades for not only the latest machines on the market but just as important those legacy machines that you need to keep running.

RAM is extremely important in ensuring your machine operates at its optimum performance. Our upgrades ensure that your computer will be performing at its best for years to come.

Fast Free UK Delivery

We offer FAST FREE UK Delivery on all orders with 96% of orders dispatched same day. For those that cannot wait we also offer faster delivery options including next day.

60 Day Money Back Guarantee

Not 100% happy with your order then return it to us under our No Quibble 60 Day Money Back Guarantee. Worried you might have made the wrong choice? With our no quibble return policy you can send it back to us and get a full refund up to 60 days after you've received your order. Whether you've picked the wrong product or just changed your mind you can send your order back to us and you'll get all your money back.

Twice Daily Price Checks

Our Price Promise commitment means that you can buy from us with confidence.

Our team works hard to ensure that you not only have peace of mind in the fact that the memory you order is 100% compatible but that our price is also the lowest for that product.

We check our prices daily against all our competitors to ensure that you are getting the best deal.

Experts On Hand

We have dedicated and highly trained experts with an average of 7 years experience. They are here to help you from purchase through to installation. We use a number of contact methods so you can speak to one of our specialists with ease.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Feel confident that your memory will last a lifetime. Our limited lifetime warranty guarantees that if your memory should ever fail we will replace or repair the product free of charge provided that it is still manufactured. Please note that the lifetime warranty refers only to memory modules and not flash memory or storage products. Please see the individual 'product details' for warranties specific to each product.

100% Compatibility

Every memory product matched specifically to your machine is individually tested to guarantee reliability and 100% compatibility with your computer and operating system.

Online Since 1997

Offtek has been supplying memory online since 1997 with over 500,000 happy customers. Well, maybe the odd one does'nt like us ;)

We have always been passionate about providing our customers with the tools and information to update their systems in the simplest manner. Early in 1996 we took on the challenge to find the type of memory compatible with every computer ever built. Hence our first memory configurator was born. Our constant daily updates allow our customers to easily select the correct memory for their machines and that objective is as important today as it was when the idea was first broached across a kitchen table in central Birmingham

Large Stock Holding

As one the largest memory distributors in Europe, our large stock holding allows us to offer next day delivery on a wide range of products.

Environmentally Friendly

If you have no need for your old memory after you have upgraded to one of our larger/faster modules, we will recycle this for you free of charge under the WEEE directive.

The advantages of adding more Ram Memory

Installing a memory module is one of the simplest upgrades that can be done to a computer

There is no configuration, no sitting around waiting for things to update and backup. It is simply plug and play!By adding more Ram memory into you laptop, desktop or server you will be doing the following:

Improving the overall performance of the machine

Allowing for increased multitasking

Extending the life of the machine

Producing faster boot times

Increasing productivity

Decreasing latency in gaming

Adding memory is the easiest upgrade available for your machine for the best increase in performance. If you are unsure on how to upgrade your machine no problem take a look at our detailed guides on how to install your new Laptop or Desktop Memory upgrade.

Compatibility Guarantee

Guaranteed Compatibility

Over the years we have taken immense care in creating one of the most in depth memory configurators. We do this to ensure that when you purchase a memory upgrade from OFFTEK you are confident that the upgrade is 100% compatible with your system.
Should you have any questions prior to ordering your upgrade we have technicians on hand via live chat, email or phone who will be able to answer any queries you may have.

We take the time to look into each machine to ensure that we offer all sizes and speeds that the machine is able to take not just the latest specification that has been released. We believe that offering all options for machines provides a 100% guarantee that the memory with function with your original memory module efficiently.

Brands we Supply

Delivery Options

UK Delivery

Free UK Delivery (within 5 working days) £0.00

1st Class Delivery (within 1-2 working days) £0.95

Next Day (Before 1PM) £5.95

Next Day (Before 9AM) £15.50

Saturday Guaranteed £10.50

DHL Courier and same day delivery options are available on request.
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International Delivery

We now deliver to over 200 countries worldwide with DHL at incredibly low prices.